101 Now the Philistines fought against Israel ; and the men of Israel fled before e the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa . 2 The Philistines closely pursued Saul and his sons , and the Philistines struck down Jonathan , Abinadab and Malchi-shua , the sons of Saul . 3 The battle became heavy against Saul , and the archers e overtook him; and he was wounded by the archers . 4 Then Saul said to his armor bearer , "Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised will come and abuse me." But his armor bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid . Therefore Saul took his sword and fell on it. 5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead , he likewise fell on his sword and died . 6 Thus Saul died with his three sons , and all those of his house died together . 7 When all the men of Israel who were in the valley saw that they had fled , and that Saul and his sons were dead , they forsook their cities and fled ; and the Philistines came and lived in them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 10:1-7
Chapter Contents
The death of Saul.
The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner or later; Saul died for his transgression. 2. That no man's greatness can exempt him from the judgments of God. 3. Disobedience is a killing thing. Saul died for not keeping the word of the Lord. May be delivered from unbelief, impatience, and despair. By waiting on the Lord we shall obtain a kingdom that cannot be moved.